Mayor's Weekly Messages

This time of year is a special time of celebration, reflection, and looking forward. I want to take this opportunity to wish every Escondido resident a very happy holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous 2016.

During this holiday season, let us all be thankful for this special community in which we live. Escondido is a great city with an excellent quality of life and strong sense of community. The progress we have made over the past several years has been exceptional and Escondido is once again an exciting place to live, and to plan a future.

It is an honor and privilege for me to serve as your mayor and I look forward to working with our residents, businesses and my colleagues on the City Council in the coming year.

Each year at the State of the City meeting, the Escondido City Council recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to improve the quality of life in Escondido through volunteer service. Nominations now are being solicited for these awards.

A sub-committee of the City Council will review all nominations and make its final selection in early February. The awards will be presented at the Annual State of the City Address on Wednesday, February 24, 2016.

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Winter WonderlandSaturday, December 5, 20153-8 p.m. California Center for the Arts, Escondido This annual community event brings the North Pole to the heart of Escondido. Children will have the chance to frolic in real snow, decorate their very own Christmas cookies, and create fun, hand-made gifts for their loved ones. The highlight for kids is, of course, Santa Claus himself, but there will also be a number of holiday-themed entertainers—from carolers, to stilt walkers, to hula dancers—for all ages to enjoy. Food and drink will be available to warm your hands and hearts, and a number of local businesses will be displaying their wares for your holiday shopping needs. For more information visit www.artcenter.org

Escondido Jaycees 63rd Annual Christmas ParadeSaturday, December 12, 20159:30 a.m. Broadway (Between Escondido High and Grape Day Park)This beloved Escondido tradition attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year from everywhere in San Diego County. This year’s theme is “A Super hero Christmas.”

Christmas on MapleChristmas On MapleSaturday, December 12th 201510am-3pm on Maple Plaza and South MapleHighlights include: Visit with Santa and Teddy Bears for children (while supplies last - courtesy of Health Net Insurance); Crafts for children ( courtesy of Home Depot); Gingerbread cookies (courtesy of Delight of France); Letters to Santa; decorating Christmas cookies; Gourmet Food Trucks and performances by the Children’s Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Orchestra. This FREE family-friendly event has something for everyone including a unique Holiday Boutique with over 50 vendors for last minute Christmas shopping. For more information visit www.christmasonmaple.com